Lac qui Parle County Marriage License

Lac qui Parle County marriage licenses are issued by the county recorder in Madison, Minnesota. Both people getting married must go together in person to apply. You can also search past Lac qui Parle County marriage records through the state's free online database, with entries going back to 1879. This page covers the application process, fees, requirements, and where to find marriage records.

Lac qui Parle County Recorder Office

The Lac qui Parle County Recorder is at 600 6th St, Madison, MN 56256. The phone number is 320-598-3536. Both applicants must appear together in person when applying for a marriage license. You cannot mail in an application or send someone else in your place. Each person needs a valid photo ID. If either of you has been married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.

The recorder issues the license on the day you apply, and it's good for six months. You can use it anywhere in Minnesota, not just in Lac qui Parle County. There is no waiting period in the state. Minnesota eliminated its waiting period on September 1, 2016, so you can hold your ceremony the same day you receive your license if that works for you.

Visit the Lac qui Parle County Marriage License page for current details on hours, requirements, and what to bring on the day you apply.

Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license in Lac qui Parle County costs between $115 and $125. If both applicants complete at least 12 hours of premarital education through a qualified program before applying, the fee drops to $40 to $50. You must bring written proof of completing the course when you go to the recorder's office. The lower fee cannot be applied after the fact.

There is no residency requirement to get a marriage license in Lac qui Parle County. You don't need to live in the county or even in Minnesota. Anyone can apply here. Call 320-598-3536 to ask about accepted forms of payment before your visit, since rural county offices can vary on what they take.

Searching Lac qui Parle County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System, known as MOMS, is the primary tool for searching Lac qui Parle County marriage records. The index starts at 1879 and runs through to the present. You search by name, date, or county at no cost. MOMS is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health and is part of the statewide vital records system that covers 85 of Minnesota's 87 counties. Basic record details, including names and license date, are visible to anyone who searches.

MOMS shows summary data only, not the full marriage certificate. If you need a certified copy for official use, you can order one from Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records for $9 per copy. Certified copies work for name changes, insurance updates, passport applications, and other legal needs. You can also contact the Lac qui Parle County Recorder directly at 320-598-3536 to get a copy in person.

Note: MOMS is the fastest way to confirm whether a marriage is on record in Lac qui Parle County before you commit to ordering a certified copy.

Minnesota Marriage License Requirements

Minnesota sets the rules for marriage licenses through Chapter 517 of the state statutes. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, both applicants must appear in person, provide valid ID, and pay the required fee. Both must be at least 18 years old. Those who are 16 or 17 can apply with written consent from a parent or guardian under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. There is no blood test or waiting period requirement in Minnesota.

Marriages that are prohibited by law are defined in Minn. Stat. § 517.03, which covers close family relationships and other restrictions. After your ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Lac qui Parle County Recorder within five days of the wedding date. The recorder files it and transmits the data to MDH, which processes it and enters it into the statewide system. You can then order a certified copy from MDH. The full marriage statute chapter is at Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes.

Historical Records and Genealogy

Lac qui Parle County's MOMS index goes back to 1879, making it a solid resource for family research in this part of western Minnesota. For older documents or more detailed historical records, the Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide is a good place to start. MNHS holds early records from many Minnesota counties and can assist with requests for documents that are not yet in digital form.

If you need to have a Lac qui Parle County marriage certificate authenticated for international use, the Minnesota Secretary of State provides apostille services at $5 per document through sos.mn.gov. The MDH registrar directory is where you'll find up-to-date contact info for the Lac qui Parle County Recorder and every other county office in the state.

Lac qui Parle County Records Screenshots

The Minnesota Statutes page for section 517.03 covers prohibited marriages under Minnesota law, which affects who can apply for a marriage license in Lac qui Parle County.

This statute defines the relationship limits that apply statewide, including to all Lac qui Parle County applicants.

The Minnesota Historical Society's marriage records guide helps researchers find older Lac qui Parle County marriage documents that may not appear in MOMS.

MNHS is the best resource for Lac qui Parle County marriage records that predate the MOMS digital index.

Cities in Lac qui Parle County

Lac qui Parle County includes Madison, Dawson, Montevideo (which is in adjacent Chippewa County), and several small townships. None of the communities within Lac qui Parle County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents apply for a marriage license through the Lac qui Parle County Recorder at 600 6th St in Madison.

Nearby Counties

Minnesota lets you apply for a marriage license at any county recorder's office in the state. These offices are nearby if the Lac qui Parle County office isn't the most convenient option for you.